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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOW Agenda Packet 05/23/2000 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE AGENDA Meeting Location: Meeting Date and Time: Mount Prospect Senior Center Tuesday, May 23, 2000 50 South Emerson Street 7~30 p.m. I. CALL TO ORDER - ROLL CALL Mayor Gerald L. Farley Trustee Timothy Corcoren Trustee Dennis Prikkel Trustee Paul Hoefert Trustee Michaele Skowron Trustee Richard Lohrstorfer Trustee Irvana Wilks I1. ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES OF MAY 9, 2000 III. CITIZENS TO BE HEARD IV. CORRIDOR DESIGN GUIDELINE UPDATE Wolff Clements and Associates and Graf/x Communications Group have been working with Community Development staff and the Plan Commission to develop a comprehensive set of guidelines to assist in the revitalization of important commercial corridors within the Village. At previous Committee of the Whole meetings, primary and secondary corridors were identified along with other key focal points. Conceptual designs for entry markers, banners and improvements for specific locations within the Village were also presented at a Committee of the Whole meeting for consideration. Based on previous direction from the Village Board, staff and Wolff Clements have continues to refine designs for signs, banners and Iogos. The purpose of the evening's meeting is to discuss revised design efforts. As with previous Committee of the Whole meetings, the Plan Commission has been invited to sit in on the presentation and participate in the discussion. Representatives from the consulting firm and Community Development staff will also be in attendance to answer questions and facilitate discussion. NOTE: ANY INDIVIDUAL WHO WOULD LIKE TO ATTEND THIS MEETING BUT BECAUSE OF A DISABILITY NEEDS SOME A CCOMMODA TION TO PARTICIPATE, SHOULD CONTACT THE VILLAGE MANAGER'S OFFICE AT 100 SOUTH EMERSON, MOUNT PROSPECT, ILLINOIS 60056, 847/392-6000, EXTENSION 5327, TDD #847/392.6064. V. NEIGHBORHOOD TRAFFIC CONCERNS Village Board members expressed a high level of interest in discussing strategies for decreasing the incidents of both speeding and cut-through traffic in residential neighborhoods. Staff was directed to research opportunities to address these issues through both enforcement efforts and physical modifications to roadways. The Committee of the Whole package contains two memoranda. The first is from Police Chief Ron Pavlock and discusses various enforcement strategies directed specifically at reducing speeding in residential neighborhoods. The other memorandum is from Traffic Engineer Matt Lawrie and discusses a variety of traffic calming techniques (mainly through the use of physical changes to the roadway system) that have been tried in other municipalities. The purpose of this discussion is to discuss the range of options available to the Village, determine which are suitable for use in Mount Prospect and direct staff to develop a comprehensive traffic-calming program including any budgetary impacts. Appropriate staff from the Police and Public Works Departments will be in attendance to answer questions and facilitate discussion. VI. VILLAGE MANAGER'S REPORT VII. ANY OTHER BUSINESS VIII. ADJOURNMENT CLOSED SESSION LITIGATION: 5 ILCS 120/2 (c) (11) -"Litigation, when an action against, affecting, or on behalf of the particular public body has been filed and is pending before a court or administrative tribunal, or when the public body finds that an action is probable or imminent, in which case the basis for the finding shall be recorded and entered into the minutes of the closed meeting." H:~GEN\Cow~Agenda\052300 COW Agenda.doc MINUTES COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MAY 9, 2000 I. CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 7:35 p.m. by Mayor Gerald Farley. Present at the meeting were: Trustees Timothy Corcoran, Paul Hoefert, Dennis Prikkel, Michaele Skowron and Irvana Wilks. Absent from the meeting was Trustee Richard Lohrstorfer. Staff members present included Village Manager Michael E. Janonis, Police Chief Ron Pavlock, Records Supervisor Catherine Caldwell, Public Information Officer Maura Jandris, Community Development Director William Cooney and Planner Judy Connolly. Three members of the press were also present. II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approval of Minutes from April 11, 2000. Motion made by Trustee Wilks and Seconded by Trustee Hoefert to approve the Minutes. Minutes were approved unanimously. Trustee Prikkel abstained. Approval of Minutes from April 25, 2000. Motion made by Trustee Prikkel and Seconded by Trustee Skowron to approve the Minutes. Minutes were approved unanimously. Trustees Comoran and Wilks abstained. III. CITIZENS TO BE HEARD None. IV. REQUEST FOR AN INCREASE FOR THE JULY PARADE FUNDING Board members reviewed a letter from Ms. Jill Friedrich$, member of the Mount Prospect Special Events Commission. Ms. Fdeddchs is the Chair of the Special Events Commission's Parade Sub-Committee. Ms. Friedrichs' letter requested an increase in funding for the July Parade from the current $15,000 to $20,500. The reasons for the request were the growing size of the Parade (over 100 individual entdes) and the increased cost in secudng marching bands and musical groups. Ms. Fdeddchs was present and explained to Board members that the most frequent comment regarding the 4th of July Parade was the need for more marching bands and musical acts. Up until this year, Ms. Friedrichs indicates that it had been very difficult to find local groups Willing to march in the Parade. During her research, she hooked up with the person in charge of the Hoffman Estates 4th of July Parade and was able to make contact with several out-of-state marching bands who were interested in coming to the Midwest and march in 4th of July Parades. With the additional funding, Ms. Friedrichs predicted that she could secure five to seven additional music acts. Several Board members stated that the annual 4th of July Parade was a very important event in Mount Prospect. Anything that could be done to improve the content and quality of the Parade was worth pursuing. It was also recognized that funding for the Parade had not increased in approximately five years. It was the unanimous consensus of those Board members present to approve the additional expenditure. Village Manager Michael Janonis indicated that he would bring forward an appropriate Budget Amendment at the mid-year Budget Review. Trustee Dennis Prikkel suggested that Ms. Friedrichs contact the new Band Director at Rolling Meadows High School and inquire about their availability. The Band Director is new to the position and was looking for ways to improve the program. V. REQUEST FOR STAFFING CHANGES Police Department Police Chief Ronald Pavlock presented a request by the Department to consolidate two part-time Records Clerks' positions into one full-time Records Clerk position. He stated that the request was occasioned by a substantial increase in workload in the Police Department-Records Section. The increased workload included, among other things, higher demand for document copies, the gathering of statistical information and management reports. Additionally, the Department has recently begun gathering traffic stop data, which needs to be entered into a database on a daily basis; Chief Pavlock indicated that the request was also ddven by difficulty the Department was having in attracting part-time Records Clerks. With the strong economy, solicitation efforts attracted few candidates and turnover was high because of the ability for part-time employees to gain full-time employment in the strong job market. Chief Pavlock indicated that the additional cost to the Village for the first year of the change would be approximately $8,500. Thereafter, on an annual basis, it would be approximately $10,000. The increase in cost is attributable to a slight overall increase in salary and the addition of medical insurance benefits and Pension Fund contributions. 2 Trustee Skowron asked for clarification of the additional cost because the amounts presented by the Police Chief at the meeting were different than those outlined in his memorandum. Chief PavIock explained that the amount stated in the memorandum did not include cost of benefits. During discussion by Board members, it was recognized that Police records management was a more specialized and demanding operation than normal records management. Board members generally agreed that by creating a full-time position, the likelihood of high tumover would be minimized. It was also recognized that there has been an increase in workload due to new data collection requirements it was the unanimous consensus of those Board members present to approve the consolidation of two part-time positions into one full-time position. Community Development Department Director of Community Development William Cooney presented a request to convert three seasonal intern positions into two part-time Inspector positions. The two part-time Inspectors would be assigned to the Building and Environmental Health Divisions respectively. The Inspector in the Building Division would be responsible for simpler inspections such as fiat work and fences. The Environmental Health Inspector would be responsible for property maintenance issues. Mr. Cooney explained that in the past, the Community Development Department has used intems to supplement the inspection staff during summer months when the volume of inspections is at its highest. While the additional staffing has assisted in covedng the increased workload, the Interns are generally available for only 12 weeks dudng the year. Since Interns usually are with the Village only one year, part of their summer tenure is spent in training. This cuts down on their effective value in handling inspections and property maintenance violations. Mr. Cooney explained that the volume of both building inspections and property maintenance service requests has risen substantially in the last few years, He noted that the Building Division was on pace to conduct over 4,000 inspections this year, exceeding last year's record pace. The two part-time positions would allow for supplemental inspection help year-round, General discussion among Village Board members acknowledged that both building activity and property maintenance violations were up considerably in recent years. It was noted that there were times when inspections for construction activity had to be delayed a day or two due to workload. This bottleneck was contrary to the Village's ongoing efforts to streamline the building permit and inspection process. Based on discussion bY those Board members present, the request to convert three seasonal Intern positions into two part-time Inspector positions was approved. Mr. Cooney also requested an upgrade of a "Current" Planner position to that of "Senior', Planner position. The change in classification would also result in an increase in salary from the Iow to mid-S40,000 range, to the Iow to mid-S50,000 range~ Mr. Cooney cited as reasons for his request; the tight labor market and the need to attract the most qualified individual for this position. Mr. Cooney explained that the Senior Planning position is the main contact for all development taking Place in the Village. This position is also responsible for processing all Zoning cases before the ZBA as well as requests before the Plan Commission. As such, this position was critical to the smooth operation of the Department of Community Development. Discussion among Village Board members recognized the importance of this position. Based upon questioning, Mr. Cooney indicated that the position would be open to both internal and external candidates. It was also noted that due to the importance of this position, training with regard to the Village's Code requirements and procedures would be critical. Based upon discussion by those Board members present, there was unanimous consensus to reclassify the Current Planner position to Senior Planner and increase the salary accordingly. VI. UPDATE ON PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER Village Manager Michael Janonis stated that the Public Information Officer's position had been in place and operational for approximately one year. He felt it appropriate to review with Village Board members the Public Information Program that has been developed over that timeframe. He noted that two major components of the Program, the redesigned Newsletter and the upgraded Web Page, had been a primary focus of the Public information Officer. Public Information Officer Maura Jandris reviewed with Village Board members her memorandum outlining the various Program initiatives and accomplishments she has undertaken during her tenure with the Village. Ms; Jandris made a PowerPoint presentation, which highlighted the new Village Newsletter, the Web Page as well as programs and brochures she has had a hand in developing. She also noted that she is a member of the Chamber of Commerce Communications Committee and the staff liaison to the Sister Cities Commission, among other duties and responsibilities. 4 The general consensus of Village Board members present was that the public information effort was very good. Many of the goals and expectations the Village Board had set for the position were being realized. It was suggested by several Trustees that the public information effort look to create an identifying "mark" for all Village publications. In this way, readers would recognize immediately that the publication was produced by the Village of Mount Prospect. It was also suggested that efforts be made to standardize Village letterhead and other correspondence. The identity of the Village should be primary with Departmental identification being secondary. It was also suggested that additional efforts be made to advertise the Village's Web Page address and make the Web Page as interactive as possible. Enhancements to the economic development aspect of the public information program was also noted as an ongoing priority. Village Manager Michael Janonis also presented a request that the Village Board consider increased funding for the Village Newsletter. Initial Budget estimates for the revised format called for a 12-page Newsletter, published six times a year. For the firet three editions, page length had averaged around 20. It was estimated that given a sixteen-page Newsletter for the remaining three issues would require an additional $25,000 to cover printing and paper costs. Mr. Janonis acknowledged that the cost overruns were unfortunate, but noted that the staff had been engaged in experimentation with layout and length of the product. He also noted that the overwhelming response to the new format had been positive. Village Board feedback acknowledged that the new format Newsletter was a great improvement over the previous publication. They acknowledged that they, too, had received positive feedback from the public. Mr. Janonis noted that he had only received one negative comment regarding the new Newsletter. Discussion among Board members solicited a variety of comments. Trustee Corcoran stated that he was satisfied with the current length of the Newsletter and did not want to see it cut back substantially. Trustee Wilks cautioned that if the Newsletter was too long, it might dissuade some people from reading it thoroughly. Trustee Skowron suggested that a target length should be 16 pages with the understanding that there would be times where more pages would be necessary but also that there might be occasions when the Newsletter could be shorter. Mayor Farley suggested that staff be allowed to continue experimenting through the remainder of this Budget year and take a hard look at the subject during the 2001 Budget review process. 5 Trustee Hoefert stated that information dissemination to the public was a paramount responsibility of the Village. He generally agreed with Mayor Farley that staff should continue to experiment with the Newsletter and review the cost issue during the upcoming Budget preparation cycle. Trustee Prikkel suggested that the staff experiment with larger font type or different font styles to make the publication as readable as possible to seniors and others with sight impairments. After considerable discussion, it was the consensus of the Village Board to approve an increase in the Newsletter Budget of $25,000. Mr. Janonis said he would bring back an appropriate Budget Amendment during the mid-year Budget review. VII. MANAGER'S REPORT Village Manager Michael Janonis noted that June Coffee with Council would be held on Saturday, June 10 at Village Hall. He also noted that next week would see the ardval of the French Sister Cities delegation. He reviewed the various activities planned for the week. VIII. ANY OTHER BUSINESS Trustee Hoefert asked that staff look at the signal timing 'in the area of the Route 83 reconstruction project; specifically the signals at Prospect Avenue and Route 83. He also stated that the drive lane going south on Route 83 seemed to be too narrow. He asked that staff look into the possibility of widening the lane somewhat. Trustee Wilks noted that there had been a ruptured natural gas line in the construction zone which had disrupted traffic flow and inconvenienced residents. She indicated a desire for closer field oversight so that such occurrences did not repeat themselves. Trustee Skowron inquired about whether the regular July 4 Village Board meeting would be moved to Wednesday, July 5. The Village Manager indicated that it would be the normal procedure. However, given the Holiday period, Board members might want to consider canceling the meeting altogether. Mr. Janonis stated that he would review items of business to see if that would be feasible. Mayor Farley inquired whether siding would be going up on the General Store prior to arrival of the French Sister Cities delegation. 6 Trustee Hoefert indicated that it would probably not be possible. Trustee Hoefert also noted that there has been substantial work done to the building by Distdct 214 students and community volunteers. Work on the siding and front fa(2ade would be commencing within the next week or so. Closed Session Mayor Farley noted the need for a Closed Session to discuss topics of Land Acquisition and Personnel. On a Motion by Trustee Wilks and Seconded by Trustee Hoefert, the Committee of the Whole meeting adjourned to reconvene in Closed Session at 9:07 p.m. IX. ADJOURNMENT Meeting reconvened into Open Session at 10:15 p.m. No other business was transacted and the meeting was adjoumed at 10:18 p.m. Villag~ Mana~ M E J/fcc ~ \\Vt-~V02&DEP~VILMGR\GEN\Cow~Minutes\050900 COW Minutes.doc 7 Village of Mount Prospect Community Development Department MEMORANDUM TO: MICHAEL JANONIS, VILLAGE MANAGER FROM: DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DATE: MAY 18, 2000 SUBJECT: PRESENTATION OF CORRIDOR DESIGN GUIDELINES - FINAL DESIGNS Based on the Village Board's input regarding preliminary landscape designs at the March 28, 2000 Committee of the Whole meeting, Wolff Clements and Associates (WCA) have prepared final designs schemes and implementation recommendations for the Corridor Design Guidelines project. Representatives of WCA will be at the May 23, 2000 Committee of the Whole meeting to present those designs and their findings. Since there was general consensus as to the urban design features shown in March, the designs presented Tuesday will be similar. However, WCA will have additional details related to cost, maintenance requirements, etc. They will be looking to the Village Board for final agreement on the designs, and for input on any elements that require additional fine tuning. The meeting will also provide an opportunity for further discussion on the logo "patch" that the consultants have been working on. Staff have been discussing the patch with the consultant and they agree that the design still needs additional work. Copies of the latest designs are attached to this memo. The attachment includes images of the stone wall entry feature that was the consensus design at the March meeting. Also included are examples of the "life style" banners that are being recommended for streeflights in the Village. Please forward this memo and attachments to the Village Board for their review. Staff will be at the Committee of the Whole meeting on May 234 to participate in the Corridor Design Guidelines discussion. Please let me know if you or any Village Board members have questions before the meeting. /mb \\VI-hV02~DEPT~COMDEV~(}EI~PLNC}\Corridot Design Cmid¢lincs\WCA to COW on 5-23.doc INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM ~ crr~ t~ TO: VILLAGE MANAGER MICHAEL E. JANONIS FROM: PROJECT ENGINEER DATE: MAY 18, 2000 SUBJECT: TRAFFIC CALMING Introduction For many people who work for a local government, one of the biggest complaints heard by residents is traffic. One major complaint is the congestion on major roads and the frustration that comes with trying to get from one location to another. Another complaint is the amount of vehicles and the speed at which they travel on minor roads. Residents often express the concern for safety of pedestrians and the lack of respect motorists often display when travelling in residential neighborhoods. For many years, communities have had to deal with these issues. Local govemments have now begun to develop programs and create specific projects to provide solutions to these traffic complaints. The term "traffic calming" has been coined by engineers and planners as the subject that addresses some of these vehicle amount and speed issues in communities, primarily residential neighborhoods. From April 10-12, 2000, I attended a traffic calming workshop hosted by Nodhwestem University in Evanston. The two presenters of the workshop work for the City of Portland, Oregon. Their community has been implementing traffic calming measures for 15 years. One of the presenters was a traffic engineer and the other a planner. Gathering information from both perspectives proved to be very beneficial. Based on the information presented at the workshop and material available on the web from the Institute of Transporlation Engineers, the following provides an overview on the topic of traffic calming. What is traffic calminq? Traffic calming can be defined as policies and measures that correct the negative effects of motorized vehicle use on individuals and society in general by changing the design and role of the streets to serve a broad range of social, environmental and transport objectives. Traffic calminq qcals Some of the goals of traffic calming include: · Increasing the quality of life · Incorporating the preferences of the people using the area (e.g., working, playing, residing) along the street or at an intersection · Creating safe and attractive streets · Helping to reduce the negative effects of motor vehicles on the environment · Promoting pedestrian, cycle and transit use :Traffic calminq obiectives Some of the objectives of traffic calming include: · Influence the speed and volume of motorized vehicles · Reducing collision frequency and severity · Increasing the safety and perceived safety for nonmotorized users of the street · Reducing the need for police enforcement · Enhancing the aesthetics of neighborhoods · Increasing the access for all modes of transportation · Reducing cut-through motor vehicle traffic Where to do traffic calming? The primary purpose of any street is to move traffic efficiently and safely. On arterial roads (e.g., Central Road, Rand Road, Golf Road), the amount of motorized vehicles far outweighs any other modes of transportation. Any significant traffic calming measures on arterial streets that affect volume and speed may cause more congestion and not have acceptable results. On collector roads (e.g., Lincoln Street, Willow Lane, Burning Bush Lane), other factors such as pedestrians and bicyclists are more prevalent than on arterial roads. Since volumes are not as great as on arterial roads, the concern of creating congestion is not as significant. The collector roads tend to be wider than local roads and may lead to greater vehicle speeds. The collector roads, however, are usually in residential areas. Therefore, traffic calming on collector streets may have positive results of slowing down speeds and reducing volume while enhancing pedestrian and bicyclist use. On local roads, traffic calming measures may prove beneficial if a significant problem can be identified. Vehicle speeds and volumes on local roads tend to be less than collector roads. Installing traffic calming measures can be costly. Significant results should be expected before considering spending money. Therefore, not all local roads would be good candidates for traffic calming measures. Finally, business districts should also be considered. Traffic calming measures that improve pedestrian safety and improve the aesthetics of the area are definitely benefits. Who are the players in a traffic calminq project? When considering any traffic calming project, the following input and perspectives ought to be taken into account: · Drivers · Residents · Business people · Pedestrians · Cyclists · Transit riders · Service providers (emergency vehicles, garbage trucks, etc.) TRAFFIC CALMING MEASURES I. Speed calming measures II. Volume reduction measures II1. Pedestrian safety measures Speed calming measures Traffic Circle - Traffic circles are raised islands placed in an intersection. They are landscaped with ground cover and street trees. Traffic circles require drivers to slow to a speed that allows them to comfortably maneuver around them, They are typically located at intersections of local or collector streets (one lane each direction entering intersection). They are not installed at intersections with a high volume of large trucks or buses turning left, Advantages Disadvantages Effectively reduce vehicles speeds Require some parking removal ~mpmve safety conditions (fewer left turn crashes Can cause bicycle/auto conflicts at intersections involving other vehicles) because of narrowed travel lane Reduce cut through appeal by limiting visible May observecollisionswithtrafficcimle distance Visually attractive Can restrict emergency or transit vehicle r~ovement if vehicles are parked illegally near the circle Refer to pages I & 2 of the Appendix for examples of traffic circles. Chicane - Chicanes are a series of narrowings or curb extensions that alternate from one side of the street to the other forming S-shaped curves. A chicane may be constructed to give the illusion, from a distance, that a street no longer continues. They are usually most effective if they create a single lane roadway section. Chicanes are appropriate for midblock locations only. Advantages Disadvantages Effectively lower speeds in the chicane Emergency and transit vehicles must negotiate chicanes at slow speeds Can discourage through traffic by increasing travel Will require removal of some on-street parking time Reduce visual appeal to motorist by limiting view Avoiding driveways may make them difficult to locate Will improve street aesthetics Snow removal more difficult Refer to page 3 of the Appendix for an example of a chicane. Choke Point- Choke points are curb extensions placed midblock to narrow the roadway to the equivalent of one travel lane. Choke points are intended to reduce traffic speeds and volumes by making the roadway narrow so that only one car can pass through at a time. Chicanes can but do not always reduce the number of travelling lanes. Choke points do reduce the number of travel lanes. Advantages travel Disadvantages Effectively lower speeds and volumes Could potentially slow down emergency response time Can discourage through traffic by increasing Will require removal of some on-street parking time Will improve street aesthetics ' Snow removal more difficult Refer to page 4 of the Appendix for an example of a choke point. Speed Hump- Speed humps are rounded raised areas of pavement typically 12 to 14 in length. They are often placed in a series (spaced 300 to 600 feet apart). The height of a speed hump is between 3 and 4 inches. Pavement markings and signage are important components when installing speed humps. They are ~laced at midblock on residential streets. Speed humps are not typically used on major roads, bus routes or primary emergency response routes. Advantages Disadvantages Effectively reduce vehicle speeds Can possibly increase traffic noise from braking and acceleration of vehicles Do not require parking removal Slows emergency vehicles May affect snow removal operations Refer to pages 5 & 6 of the Appendix for examples of speed humps. Raised crosswalk- Raised crosswalks are crosswalks constructed 3-4 inches above the elevation of the street. They typically have the profile similar to a 22 foot speed hump. They are intended to reduce vehicle speeds specifically where pedestrians will be crossing a street. Raised crosswalks are sometimes constructed with brick or other textured materials on the fiat section in order to highlight to the motorist to be cautious. They are constructed slightly lower than the sidewalk ramp so that the visually impaired can tell when they are entering an area_shared with automobiles. Advantages Disadvantages Effectively reduce vehicle speeds Can possibly increase traffic noise from braking and acceleration of vehicles Do not require parking removal Slows emergency vehicles increases pedestrian safety May affect snow removal operations Refer to page 7 of the Appendix for an example of a raised crosswalk. Volume reduction measures Diagonal diverter- Diagonal diverters place a barrier diagonally across an intersection, disconnecting the legs of an intersection. They prevent through moves at an intersection. Strategically located diagonal diverters reduce traffic volumes on a street. They apply to all drivers, including local residents. Very special care must be taken to consider the availability, capacity and appropriateness of the alternative routes drivers might use if a diverter is constructed. Provision should be made to make diverters passable for pedestrians and bicyclists. Advantages I Disadvantages Effectively reduce traffic volumes Prohibit or limit access and movement. Some drivers will consider it a disadvantage. Can restrict vehicle access while retaining bicycle Restrict access for emergency and transit vehicles and pedestrian access Refer to page 8 of the Appendix for an example of a diagonal diver[er. Semi-diverter - Semi-diverters are curb extensions or islands that block one lane of the street. They prevent drivers from entering or exiting certain legs of an intersection. Strategically located, semi- diverters can effectively reduce traffic volumes on a street. They apply to all drivers, including local residents. Very special care must be taken to consider the availability, capacity and appropriateness of the alternative routes drivers might use if a diver[er is constructed. Advantages Disadvantages Effectively reduce trafficvolumes May affect curbside parking opposite the semi- diverter May visually enhance the street through landscaping Minor restriction of access for emergency and transit vehicles Refer to page 9 of the Appendix for an example of a semi-diver[er. Median barrier- A median barrier is a concrete curb or island that is located on the centerline of a street and continues through a street's intersection with a given cross street. They prevent left turns from the through street and left turns and through moves from the cross street. Strategically located median barriers reduce traffic volumes on a street. They apply to all drivers; including local residents. Very special care must be taken to consider the availability, capacity and appropriateness of the alternative routes drivers might use if a median barrier is constructed. Provision should be made to make median barriers passable for pedestrians and bicyclists. Advantages Disadvar vehicle travel lane removal Prevent vehicle from passing other vehicles Prohibit or limit access and movement Depending on location, may improve safety through May have a negative impact on emergency services access limitations because of access limitations Can be designed with breaks in the landscaping to f enhance the street throu Refer to page 10 of the Appendix for an example ora median barrier. Cul-de-sac / dead end - Cul-de-sacs close one end of a street. They are very effective at reducing cut-through and general traffic volume. With respect to the effect cul-de-sacs have on emergency vehicles, it is possible to design them using break-away posts, Advantages Disadvantages Reduce cut-through traffic Prohibit or limit access and movement. Some drivers will consider it a disadvantage. Reduce noise associates with vehicles May have a negative impact on emergency services because of access limitations May affect transit routes Refer to page 11 of the Appendix for an example of a cul-de-sac. Turn prohibition sign - Turn prohibition signs restrict movements at intersections. They can be made to be time-of-day specific, day-of-the-week, seasonal, full-time, etc. based on the situation. Signs are somewhat effective in reducing traffic volumes. They are inexpensive to install but can be difficult to enforce. Signs do not provide a physical barrier to prevent the prohibited turn movement. Inexpensive to instaldvantages Disadvantages Motorists can disobey sign since no physical barrier Can be t me specfic to address the situation neighborhoodD°es not add any landscape aesthetics to Refer to page 12 of the Appendix for examples of turn prohibition signs. Pedestrian safety measures Curb extension - Curb extensions narrow the street by widening the sidewalk or the landscaped parking strip. These devices are employed to improve pedestrian safety by reducing the street crossing distance and improving site distance. They may also slightly influence driver behavior by changing the appearance or the street. They can be installed either at intersections 9r midblock. Advanta~les Disadvantages Reduce pedestrian crossing distance and time Require some perking removal Make pedestrian crossing points more visible to May meke it difficult to accommodate full bicycle drivers lanes Prevent vehicles from passing other vehicles that May affect snow removal operations ere turning Do not slow emergency vehicles May visually enhance the street through landscaping Refer to pages 13 & 14 of the Appendix for examples of curb extensions. Pedestrian refuge- Pedestrian refuges or slow points are small islands in the middle of the street, typically designed with marked bike lanes on both sides. They serve to narrow the vehicle travel lanes. They can be installed either at intersections or midblock. Pedestrian refuges are used to enhance pedestrian crossing points and allow pedestrians to cross a street one half at a time, if they prefer. Depending on their location, they may also result in small to moderate traffic speed reductions. Advantages Disadvantages Allow pedestrians to cross half of the street at a Require some parking removal time, stopping in the refuge before crossing the other half of the street Make pedestrian crossing points more visible to drivers Prevent vehicles from passing other vehicles that are tuming May reduce vehicle speeds Refer to page 15 of the Appendix for an example of a pedestrian refuge. Current Issues As communities haYe begun to implement traffic calming measures, certain issues have arisen that have had to be discussed. Some of these issues affect how a community will look at traffic calming. A few of these issues include: Emergency response time - Traffic calming discourages excessive speed and volume by increasing travel time. Emergency services provide prompt responses by minimizing travel time. Both traffic calming and emergency vehicle response share a common goal of public safety. Therefore, cooperation and (;ollaboration are required if a community desires to move forward in implementing traffic calming measures. Snow removal - Streets with traffic calming measures will definitely affect snow removal operations. Snow plow drivers will need to take caution when approaching any type of vertical deflection measure such as speed humps. Damage could potentially be done to both the vehicle and the speed hump. Aisc, the snow removal operation may be slowed down with any type of horizontal deflection such as chicanes. Special speed hump installation methods and reprioritizing snow r&moval operations on streets with traffic calming measures are options to address these concerns. Funding - It has been recommended that should a community be serious about authorizing multiple traffic calming projects, a traffic calming program with a specific policy ought to be created. The program will establish minimum criteria that must be met before considering any type of traffic calming project. Once a program has been created, funding for projects should then be allocated. Reallocating existing funds or finding new funding sources are options. New fL~nding sources include land development fees, resident paid programs, vehicle fees and fede?l funding. Liability - By making physical changes to the road system, there is the potential for creating liability on the community's part. Damage to vehicles or injuries to motorists and pedestrians may occur as a result of installing traffic calming measures. Regardless of whether or not the motorist and/or pedestrian was at fault, a victim may try to hold a community liable. According to the information provided at the workshop, communities have little or no exposure as long as the traffic calming measures are well-designed, well-signed, well-lighted and well-documented. However, each community must be willing to accept the risk that, at some point, the traffic calming measure may have to be defended. Conclusion The above information provides a brief overview of traffic calming. While the measures presented are a good representation, not every one was mentioned. There are slight variations to the ones above to fit certain situations. However, those presented gives a good cross-section of the different types of traffic calming measures. Recently, the Northwest Municipal Conference sent a survey to tocal communities wanting to know their use of traffic calming measures. The results show that is doesn't appear that many communities in our area have a detailed traffic calming program. The Appendix contains a copy of the results. It should be said that before considering any type of traff~c calming measure, a detailed study ought be done. The study needs to identify and quantify the problem. Input from various groups such residents, businesses, Police Department, Fire Department, etc. should be gathered. Alternate solutions should be determined. Since traffic calming projects can be expensive, less costly options such as Police enforcement should be considered. Traffic calming measures should be implemented when a significant problem is identified, other alternatives have not been successful and significant positive results are expected after completion of the project. In conclusion, traffic calming attempts to change the role of a street by affecting traffic volume and speed in order to increase safety and improve livability for those who reside in the area. Not every traffio calming measure will be appropriate for every situation. Also, with any type of change, there are opposing issues that need to be discussed. Hopefully, this information provides a good background on the topic and will lead to a positive discussion. Village of Mount Prospect Mount Prospect, Illinois INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM TO: MICHAEL E. JANONIS, VILLAGE MANAGER FROM: CHIEF OF POLICE SUBJECT: ALTERNATIVE METHODS OF SPEED ENFORCEMENT DATE: MAY 17, 2000 DISCUSSION Over the Past several years the Mount Prospect Police Department has attempted to reduce the speeds of vehicles traveling through this community by traditional patrol car enforcement, along with the use of mechanical devices such as radar guns, electronic roadway signs (SMART trailer). Information as to problems in certain areas are relayed to the Police Department through citizen complaints, Neighborhood Watch group discussions, citizen concerns expressed to the elected officials and the Village Manager's office, Speak Outs and discussions at our Safety Committee meetings. The Police Department works with the Engineering staff by analyzing problems through traffic surveys and a review of accident report data. This procedure has been extremely successful in eliminating several problems through the application of Engineering changes, placement of signs and periodic, but strict traffic enforcement. As you are aware, for enforcement purposes police officers must be able to verify vehicle speeds. This involves in all cases a skilled and. trained police officer utilizing one of the following devices: 1. Speed Radar - Police radar "guns" transmit a microwave signal at a known frequency and then receive the signal that is reflected back from the object. The signal frequency returns to the radar unit in proportion to the speed of the moving vehicle, and the vehicle's speed is displayed. Radar signals also can be used to tdgger roadside warning signs that display vehicle speeds to drivers (SMART trailers). 2. Laser Radar - A narrow band ~of light is transmitted to a targeted vehicle and returned by it, and the speed of the vehicle is displayed for the officer. These devices ara similar in size and weight to police radar. The advantage that laser radar has over regular radar is that it cannot be detected by radar detectors. May 17, 2000 Page 2 1. Speed Cameras - Radar signals can be used to trigger cameras that photograph speeding vehicles as they pass a specified point. These devices use a Iow-powered Doppler radar speed sensor to detect speeding vehicles and trigger a motor-driven camera and flash unit to photograph vehicles traveling faster than a set speed. The date, time and speed are recorded along with a photo. 2. VASOAR - A vehicle average speed calculator and recorder uses a portable computer to accurately clock, calculate and display speed based on the time a vehicle takes to travel a knoWn length of road. 3. Aerial Speed IVleasurement - Officers in light aircraft measure vehicle speed based on the time it takes to travel between two or more pavement markings spaced a known distance apart. This approach is used by the Illinois State Police, mainly on the freeway systems in rural areas. The Mount Prospect Police Department has used handheld radar, which is available in each and every marked squad car. Also, during the past two years we have used the SMART trailer with great success in verifying and reducing speeds of vehicles in several neighborhoods. We have researched laser radar, but generally have not had great success in purchasing it, as it is extremely costly at $5,000 to t~6,000 a unit. We have looked at and researched the possibility of moving radar or VASCAR, but again this would be something to review at a future budget meeting as it is costly and can only be operated by a trained and skilled traffic officer. As you are aware, we have discussed on several occasions the possibility of purchasing or leasing speed cameras. All of these devices would require skilled and experienced traffic officers. TRAFFIC UNIT REVIEW For purposes of this Tuesday's discussion, I would like to touch on two of the above suggestions, speed cameras and a traffic unit. First of all, at the upcoming Finance and budget meetings the Police Department will be presenting a proposal for a traffic unit. This is definitely a budgetary item, as it would require at the minimum the promotion of one additional sergeant and the hiring of four additional police officers. I will be at the Board meeting if anyone would like to discuss this subject at that particular time, but it will be discussed with you, the Finance Commission and the Village Board at the 2001 budget meetings. May 17, 2000 Page 3 SPEED CAMERAS REVIEW The second item is speed cameras. I have attached three articles that discuss the pros and cons of this type of enforcement. Trustee Corcoran on several occasions has brought up the use of speed cameras in other countries and has requested that the Police Department continue their research on this type of approach. Speed cameras have been used for years in a number of countries including Austria, Canada, Germany, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland and Taiwan. In Victoria, Australia speed cameras were introduced in late 1989, and police reported that within three months the number of offenders triggering photo radar decreased by 50%. Deaths fell 30% in 1990 compared with 1989. The percentage of vehicles significantly exceeding the speed limit has decreased from about 20% in 1990 to less than 4% in 1994. South Australia and New South Wales also have begun using photo radar. Ontario, Canada experimented with photo radar cameras in 1994 and found that speeding declined at the three locations where the cameras were installed. Speed cameras are usually set so they will not be activated unless a vehicle is traveling significantly faster than the posted limit - often 10 mph faster. A visible police presence typically accompanies photo radar in the United States to maximize its deterrent effect. Portable units are placed at the roadside in or near a marked police car, and signs usually announce that photo radar is in use. In Garland, Utah, for example, a speed camera system plus extensive media coverage and strong support by city officials successfully reduced average speeds in a 20 mph school zone from 36 to 22 mph. Crashes and injuries had been high in the school zone, but eight months after installation there were fewer crashes and not a single injury collision. However, in Illinois the State Legislature is still reviewing the feasibility of this type of enforcement and has not authorized its-use at this time. This past week I contacted the Illinois State Police Planning & Research Director Tony Doellmen, and he sent me several articles on the speed cameras. He stated that two years ago the Illinois State Police met with several vendors and experimented with not only speed cameras, but also using cameras to record railroad crossing and red light violations. At the request of the State Police the state legislature last year began steps in the direction of legalizing speed/photo/camera radar. They authorized the Railroad Commission to put photo radar at high hazard locations throughout the state. This has been called the ~Cop in a Box" approach. Several area Police Departments are currently experimenting with this type of enforcement. The State Legislature is waiting for a report on the pros and cons of its use and then will make some decision on legislation to serve May 17, 2000 Page 4 as a basis for speed cameras. In other states where speed cameras have been used with some success they have usually approached it by experimenting with railroad crossing and red light camera enforcement, Director Doellmen did state that for speed cameras the general legal basis for the courts in other states is that there has to be a trained police officer operating the unit. The State Police proposed through legislation supported by the Illinois Chiefs and the Illinois Sheriffs Associations that this approach be employed at the minimum at school and construction zones and high accident areas. This is probably why the Legislative Committee decided to experiment at hazardous railroad crossings. Mount Prospect's railroad crossings were considered but, fortunately or unfortunately, did not meet the criteria as to the number of fatal accidents. The Illinois Chiefs Association Lobbyist Paul Dollens, as well as the Illinois State Police will keep me informed as to the status of this study. RECOMMENDATION - SPEED CAMERAS As Chief of Police, I strongly support this approach, if possible, because it is a non- discretionary enforcement of several hazardous violations. If used, it possibly Could greatly reduce our speed, railroad crossings and red light violations and accidents in Mount Prospect. As mentioned above, I will be available at the meeting for any further discussion on this and other accident reduction methods. Attachments -~tRY- ]I~-ZUUU 'IU~. . :RCJV~° Gazette Why Photo Radar? by Cpl. Ron Casey, NCO ilo Steveston Community Police Station, Richmond, British Columbia Autopatrol PR100 has a 38mm x l$0mm Zeiss lens. The radar unit is contained in the box under the camera. This unit can take -~ photos in a second which makes it ideal in high volume areas where conventional enfo~ement is difficulL The magazine ha~ a capacity of exposures. The magazine can be changed in second~. Many articles have been written regarding the pros and cons of photo radar. Regrettably, few of these articles emanate from the police officer's perspective. When I was transferred to a traffic section, I discovered several interesting facts that are rather obvious to any traffic cop: · When I was working on a homicide file, there was no shortage of ~'esources, money, manpower, or time. If I really needed a heli¢opier witil FLIR, or a hovercraft in a muter file, they were provided. However, if I was working on a fatal motor vehicle accider~ I could very well end up with no other resources but a helpful tow truck driver to assist me. · Wtten I Investigated · homlcide~ tile de(leased was oTten a meml~er of the criminal element. When I worked on a fatal collision file, the victim was often some decent, law- abiding, lux-paying parent who was just t/ying to get home. · Most visits to the morgue and the hospital are caused by "nice people" in car accidents not by "bad guys" at crime scenes. In British Columbia, about Ii00 people die on our highways every year. We seem to take these numbers for Qranted because ~ey are traffic fatalities. · The lowest common denominator of most accidents is gpeed, even at Inteme~tions. Statistics often reflect the actual charge, not the actual cause of a collision. · The next major Cause of traffic collisions ie stupidity. In aritiah Columbia, the leading cause of collisions is listed as "Driving Without Due Care And Attention.- This ia the wo~inla of the actual charge ilnderthe Motor Vehicle A~. However, in police ufficer's vernacular, this means stupidity plus speed were the main ingredients of the collision. It's possible that the drivem iff many of theae situations could I~&ve taken evasive aCtion if they had not been speeding. http:/lwww.rcmp-gre:go.oa/html/g~ad~.~m 10/22t'g9 ,~HY-I~-~UUU IUI~ i1:515 fill IL ~li.l!l~ I~ULIU~ b,qX flU. · ROMP O~zotte Pa~e 2 0£6 , Ke = llZmv2. This means that you hit an object twice as hard at 8S kph (52 mph) as you do at 60 kph (aT rnl~h). Conventional Speed Enfor¢ement It would seem obvious that the easiest way to decrease accidents would be to decrease speed. However, we have prnhlems reaching this relatively simple objective. Many of the high accident/high volume ames in this province are simply too dangerous for conventional radar or laser. The most effective way to perform speed enforcement is on f[3nt. Unfortunately, you have to keep your cruiser nearby to handle emergency calls and to provide a deterrent for the A driver who refuses to stop. The public officer cannot operate the unit can usually see your cruiser and they it is deployed st an al3proved inevitably "headlight" the oncoming location that has I~.cn entered on the database. Every vahlcle that passes the traffic,, This in turn, reduces your beam ever the trigger speed is effectiveness. ~hotographed. The ticket is sent out in the sail within days, The primary philosophy behind conventional speed enforcement ..... involves "scaring the bejeabers" out of pec3ple to get them to slow down. The Iogal constabulary are hoping that you will go home with your ticket and tell all your acquaintances about the "radar trap", This will allegedly ermourage people to slow down in that particular spot for an undetermined period of time. The effectiveness of this philosophy is questionable, but it was the only tool at our disposal before photo radar. Many drivers on a high volume highway can speed by conventional radar or laser with impunity because it is too dangerous to stop them. Many drivers operate in a semi-comatose state. They are startled when they see the police (even if they are not being stopped). Some motorists respond by standing on their brakes. Others swerve fi'om lane to lane. Others speed up. Some motorists pull into the passing lane and stop. When you observe a gaggle of v~.hJcles at various speeds perform this drill, the combinations are infinite and nerve-wracking. The show continues when the offender is successfully "pulled aver" to the side of the highway. Drivers act gompletely mystitiecl when you asl( for their particulars. The police officer then returns to the cruiser to process a charge and to verify the status of his client via the police computer. For twenty minutes to two hours, depending on information flow, he/she will he totally immersed with this one particular customer, During this time, the police officer is operationally out of the picture. Thc photo radar continues to monitor all four lanes of traffic whert a violator is photographed. The motoring public Is very cognizant of this point and drives accordingly. http://www.r~rap-~'e.l~o.c,a/html/sa'"~dar.hun 10/22/99 .flHI'-IO-/UUU IU{~ ii:~' afl iL ~'lfl'l'~. FULIU~- i'RX fill. 21'[li~b'~'32t~ Th~ Photo ~dar Program in British Columbia Photo Ra~a~ ~echno~ogy has =mun~ fo~ =bout 30 ye=r=. Seventy- five ~untries throughout t~e wodd u~e ~om~ four. of photo radar. Ther~ have been outstandin~ programs in GFeat Bdtain, Australia a~d New Th~ te~ photo shows t~e test photo number Zealand. The St~t~ of ~rin in ICBco==a?), the offens~ dnt~ (9601E9), time Austr=]in repo~e~ t~eir fatalities 15Blhr + tB s~on~s or 3:~1 p.m. ~econds), sp~ (.78 kph or nppro~ 60 mph), dropped =pproximetely 50% from ,location and police o~cem ident~ number. A 1989 to 1992. This program used plus sign would indicate that phutu radar In con[unction with other appr~chlng t~ camera, A minus sign st~g traffic safety programs such as indicates ~at the vehicle is moving away from proa~iva drinking driver police un~ts, the camera. Yes, the vehicle is supposed to be c~oped off so the cha~gi~g officer at headqua~ers can confi~ ~e io~ation cede on The Photo Radar Program (PEP) in the BHtiah Columbia is a p[ovincially- ~nded program that i~ enginee~d to ,. , ...... ,, .... SlOW t"e tl~ Of t~ffiC ,, hig~ ~OClde,t ="~Or probJe~ ~reas ~O"t the pmv~noe. The municiDali~es da nat fln=n~ photo radar, but ~oy benefits of t~e program. ~1 ~e police psrsonnel sounded to the PRP mpln=ed by the provincial Mini=~y of the Atl~ey G=neml. The PRP is just one of ~he Tr~c S~ety Initiatives that were launched by t~e provincial government to cut the ~m=ge un t~e hlgn~y=. Ot~er t'~1 pmgrnms have ~een designed for: · impaired drivers; · unlicensed an~or prohibited ddvers; · new drivers; · non-payment of trarfl~ fines; and, · computer upgrades. Photo radar is only designed to ~mbat one throat on the highway, inappropriate sp~d, and It does this ve~ well. Why is ~e Photo Radar Program Effective? Photo radar is a teal that ~n mechanically monitor four lanes ~ traffi~ moving in op~site dim~ions in all weather and light conditions. Photo radar is a much safer ~od of ~peed ¢nfomement bemuse fl3ere ~ no offi~rlvlolator contact. High ac~dent stoas and high s~e~igh volume areas ~n ~ target~ mom effe~ively for e~ended periods of time. In this jurisdiction, the tolemn~ Is set at a minimum of 10 ~h o?~ the speed Ijmit. ~Is means that someene travelling at 11 kph over the s~ed hm~t ~uld re.we a phot° radar ticket. The ~li~ ~o depIpy t~ photo radar units am a designated unit ~lled ~e bttp://www, romp-~ro.~o,ca/htmVl~:zmdar, hmt !0/22/99 I'IFIY-I~d-ZUUU 'I'UIs ]1:Jr AM mi. 5lAib I~ULtL',b l,R,~ NV. , RCM;P Gazette Pa~e 4 of'6 Integrated Traffic. Camera Unit (ITOU). This unit is composed of 104 police office~ from various local police agencies. The Regional Photo Radar Units are stationed in Richmond, Kamloops, Victoria, and Pri[~ce George. Subsequently, ti~e 30 photo radar vans can deploy on any highway in BC. All the photo radar locations are nominated to the Integrated Traffic Camera Unit by the local community, The ITCU audits these nominated sites for certain critP, ri~. We are looking for high aocidont ancYor problem areas, The potential location is rejected if it is recommended merely to bring in revenue, The ticket rever~ues are forwarded to tt3e general revenue fund in the provincial government, Municipalities receive no revenue from the tickets so th~.re is no pressure on the police to generate revenue, However, there is pressure by the local community to reduce the number of collisions. The ITCU is answerable to the traffic safety committee in a munioipality, MunicipaJities are motivated to nominate their problem areas ~o decrease their accider~t rate, TIlls methodology enhances the credibility of the system. All the photo radar sites are publicized because we want the public to slow down in those areas. The exact. !ocations and trigger speeds are kept confidential to keep the traffir, flow oonsistent, There is little oxouse for receiving a rickel when the sites have been advertised. Site publication adds credibility to the program and enhances publio support. People will support a program they deem fair. This feature also causes a "halo effect", Speeds have decreased in areas where there Is no photo radar enforcement. Site publication also enables the police to inform the public where the problem areas are. Some "problem areas" are rural stretches of freeway with excellent visibility. If you drove through some of these areas, you would never recognize thom as dangerous until you perused their statistics. Photo radar operates in all light ancl weather conditions and it monitors all the traffic going by. Conventional enforcement can only monitor about 40% of the traffic with good visibility. Motorists who enter a photo radar corridor have only two options - they can ahiHe by the speed limit or they can receive a ticket. What About Areas Where the Speed Limit is Too Low? In some areas, the postcd speed limit is inappropriate. The ITCU conducts a covert survey al. each nominated location to determine the 85th percentile, This is the speed at which 85% of the traffic moves. The Unit wants to find out how people drive in that area when there is no perceived police presence. The ITCU take extreme measures to collect uncontan~ir~ated data. The ITCV Covert going Team works In plainclothes and use the photo radars on tripods with the system can else he used as a red light appropriate camouflage. There ere no ~;amera, British Columbia ~vtll be tickets produced from a covert survey, expanding the Photo Radar Program to l~ltp://www, rcmp-gr~.g~.ceVhm~l/gazraclar, h~m 10/22/99 · -[~a¥-16-2000 TUE 11:38 fltl IL STffI'E ~'OLI(;I= ~-a~; NO. Zli~z~ · RCMP G~e~e · Page 5 of 6 tickets produced from a ~veA sudsy: ~lnclu~ re~ light ~mems in the near The photo radar is used only to co,le~ ~[futum, dat~ in its database. [[. ~ ~ ~ ,~ There is an indict[on that the speea limit may be too Iow if the 85th percentile is at least 20 kph over the sp~d limit. The ITCU fo~ard ~e msul~ of the cove~ su~ey tO the local traffic authority whi~ sets the speed limit. Unless this speed limit reviewed to the setlafaction of the ITCU, them will not be any photo radar deployments in that ama. The "trigger speed" is the speed at which the ~amera is programmed to take photo~ for ~rgu~. if the 65th pementile is 61 kph io a 50 kph zone, then the trigger speed is set at 62 kph. ~e exact trigger speed for a loft[on la kept con~dentlal. The toleran~ and trigger speeds are entered into the photo radar computer by the Standards Section at ITCU Headquadem. The operator cannot change the trigger speeds on the unit, so there are ~nsistent tolerances. The operator must deploy at a ~e~ognized site, which has passed the ITCU audit the officer will be unable to log onto the computer. Photo Radar Success Stories ~e Vancouver Police DepaAment has indi~t~ a 20.3% drop ir~ ~eir accidents thmugho~ the ci~. The ~ofia Poli~ Depadment ind[~tes a 15% decrease ~llisions. The provincial fatalities have dropped by 15%. A~idents iff ~is provin~ before photo radar cost approximately 500 lives, 45,000 injure~ and billion a year. Photo radar is just a tool, It can be used to raise revenue or it ~n d~rease the ~mage on the highway. ~ese two philosophi~ am l~e~cilable. Any photo radar program that is designed to "gouge" the public is doomed. If the program has publio supped it will su~eed, but this suppoA is dependent on the full,lng conditions: · targeting pmble~ areas; , reasonable tolemn~s; · appropriate speed limits; , ~mmuntty input; · adve~sing photo radar sites; and, · marketing photo radar tn the public. Conclusion In my view, {he public always give the police ~tstanding suppoA - ~ the poli~ · e public ~M they am doing and why they are doing it. If a law is simple [o enforce, simple to understand and ~ the public am "on side", then I~ enforcement ~11 be suc~ssful. If any of these vital ingredi~ts are removed from the equation, law enfor~ment will flounder. Public suppoA Is ~e most impo~ant policing tool end It only ~me~ thmug~ aggressive marketing. Anyo~ mqulring f~her lnfo~afion on the Photo Radar Pmg~m in Bdtish htt~://www.r~mp.grc.gc.c,,~htmVgazradar, htm 10/22/99 -ilRY-]6-2000 I'UE 03:33 P.rl IL STffI'E POLIC~ I,R× NO. XI{ZUb3i~XU 1~. U4 Oregon hiyc: 3-7.00 Ore§on Supreme Court hears arguments in photo radar case Page 1 or'4 ..... _. TH.~ FULk STORY Oregon Supreme Court hears arguments in photo radar case The co~titutionali&' ora state law t~t allows ~e of technolo~ to mon#or tr~c violations m~ be addressed in a ruling Sign up now and we'll d~iivcr Tue~ay, M~h 7. 2000 addren~ ev~ ~~bn of The &egonian staff' v~io. A~cut Fi~. the~ w~ a j~iciM piece. contra ~ stun Now, ~c judicial tu~y is ~co~oa~lc, ~a~ ~o,~ ~d ifs all ov~ a $35 spewing fine ~t m~e it to aaa,m, ~ ua the O~gon S~reme ~aa. eao0o omo, [~a. On Monday, ~e jusfi~s listened to orfl ~gments in ~ tl~h~ rese~d. State rs, Clay, a c~e that adheres ~e necess~, . ~e .... burd? o~ proof in a ~ffic violation ~d possibly ~e e US Politics cons~m~o~W of Oregon's con~overeiat photo ' · S~n~ rad~ law. Meeting at Nonhg'est~ School of~w ofLe~ ~ Clink Coll~g~ the)?floes ~dled m~ O~'~gon . Depa~ment of Just[ce attom¢7 who was defending O~ ~asc md a law s;huul student who was l~m~dllng · c ap~.- If~e j~ces ~e n~owly, ~ey might affect no~ng mom t~ the t~to of one $35 speeding tine, But if they l~k mom broadly m ~e c~e, ~ey ~uld possibly b~ ~c ~st cou~ ia ~c ration to role on thc~omfi~tio~H~ of photo rM~ -- m~d by cxtc~oa photo md light-- bemuse about a do~ s~tes st~g adop~g la~ to Mlow ~ek me ~ ~e la~ 1980s. A ruling is ~t e~eet~ for a~m six mont~. htlp:llwww.oregonllve.com/news/OOlO31stO3OTOS.htral 05/16/9..000 ~'IH¥-IC-,~UUU IUL U,~:,~5 Y~I JL ~lHib t'ULIU~. I~FLx, HU. ~'lll~b55Z~ V. Ub Oregon Live: 3-7-00 Oregon Supreme Court hears arguments in photo radar casePage 2 et'4 la 1997, Lisa Clay, 37, of Portland, received a $99 citation iu the mail that said a photo radar machine had caught her speeding. Clay mentioned the case to J'effrey Mutnie. k. an attorney who had represented her on another matter, and he asked if he might uso her 'ease to try to challenge Oregon's photo radar law, which he says has constitutional flaws. Clay agreed, and Mutnick assigned Christopher J. Nye, a young attorney in his office, to the cas,, Nye made a narrow argument at trial, saying the judge should throw the ticket out because the officer tailed to testify in court ~at he .had looked up thc license plate o fthe speeding vehicle and determined that Clay was the owner. The judge said the fact that Clay hired an attomey to bring the case to court made it clear that she had received tho ticket and was the registered owner. The judge fined Clay $35, Nye appealed. The Court of Appeals upheld the ticket, But in a disscnt, Judge Robert D. Wollh¢im said the majority was wrong, "We are headed tox~d a judicial pickle,., when wc allow trial courts to find that, because a defendant got a tick. et and retained a lawyer, the state's burden of prowng an iraportm~t eleme.nt of its case is automatically met," Wollhelm wrote. Last year, the Supremq Cent! accepted about 5 percent of thc appeals ~t received, and one of them was Clay's For the · appeal, Mutnick turned the ca~e over to Nicholas Dazer, a Lewis & Clark law school student who works part.tlme for Mutnick, He said he hoped it would be a good learning experience for the student. Dazer broadened thc arguments beyond whether Clay should have been convicted oF speeding. In lc, gal papers, he sa:,d tho photo radar statute itself violated the Oregon Constitution, Under photo radar, the police mail a ticket to the registered owner .of, the car caught speeding. If the owner was not dfiwng, he or she can fill out a certificate oflrmocance. But Dazer argued that the httl~://w'ww.m'egonl ive.eom/newodOO/O3/st03070$.html 05/16/2000 Oregon l~iv~: 3-7-00 ~ou Supreme Co~ ho~s arguMon~ in photo rad~ o~sc P~o 3 her On Monday~ he def~n~ed his c~e bcfore,a skcptic~ group o~jus~ices at Lewis & Clark, 'i'{~e Supreme Co~ heats c~es in v~ious Iocat~ons around the ~ate to incre~e public awareness of rise j ud{ci~ process. "It's not ratioml to presume that, because somebody o~s something, they ~ responsible," D~er said, Roll Mo~, ~ a~omey ~ the Oregon Dep~ent of Just{ce, ~nid the co~ti?ttion~l requirement prcsume~ i~ocynco ~phes to ordinal precedings where jarl t~e ~ posmble. tra~c in.action." In m~ exc~ge about whether a mere ~]c ticket ~s to mc~ eous~tional requirements lbr burfl~ of proof, Jus~ce Robe. Durra ~ked D~er: "If it causes ~s~mfo~ in ~e ju~eial ~y, it thils. Is that ~1 you've got to offer?" "Yes," D~r answered, "Now [ am ~me~omfo~able," D~h~ ~plied. Me.while, ~o~ ggucd ~a~ the coups should ~c constitutionfl q~s~ons ~d stick wi~ fire n~ow a~sue oY whe~cr ~he o~cer met tho proper b~il proof at ~ifl. A ~ow ruling would detemine only whe~er Clay ~s to pay fl~c $3~ fine ~d have a speeding fiek~ on h~ dfiv~g record. A broaOer ruling on the consfimti?~ issues could dot--me whe~u photo mdat ~1I ~nfinuy to exist and whelher it will ex~ud to at l~s~ five c~tiys besides Po.l~d ~d Beaveg~ wh, eh have msued 100,000~to md~t{cke~ s~ce 1996. Such a ruling also could de~ine ~c ~te of photo red hght, a s~ail~ prog~ th~ Po~l~d, Beavegon and fo~ o/hg oi~ ge comid~ng, You can math Ashbel S. ~en at 503-221,8202 or by o-ma~ ~ Tony~news. omgonian,com. h~l)Jlwww, or~onllve.~mlnew~OO/O3/stO~OTOS.ht~ 0~/1 d~000 I'IAY-16-2000 TUE 11:35 AH IL STR'I'E FULIC~ kRX Nu. z~/~b55z~ r. ~/ Photo Radar Page 1 of 2 =hoto Radar 2ommunity Traffic Safety =o.__~!and Office of Tr!!n.s~pnrtation. Bllreau of Traffic M~nan~ment Photo radar is operate~ by a trained police officer in a m~rked poli~e van, Thc system combines a camera, radax, Md reader bo~rd that displays thc speed of each passing vehicle. If a speeding oar is detected, a picture is taken of the driver and the license plate. A ticket is then mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle. In 1997, the City completed a two-year demonstration project for photo radar. The ewluafi.on of thc program c,onlh mexl what police officers on me street had been sayzng for months', photo radar slows speeding drivers, and residents l!ke having it ia their neighborhood. The results of the evaluation were provided to the Ore,on Legislature. that endorsed the project hy passing Senate Bill 651, allowing Portland and Beaverton to use photo radar as a permanent enforcement tool in ~chool ,~ones~ and neighborhoods. The Icgislatlon also allowed the City to expand its use to other streets i~ speedln$ ncgatlvely hnpacts safety on those meets. If you would like more information on the Photo Radar Demonstration Project - ~w~v~....,telep_o_rt.~om/~police/radar.htrnl,. The Portland Police Bureau took over management of the Photo Radar Program from the Bureau o£Traffie Ivtanagement in 1997, Other Related Services: · 'rra.~c Calming How to Contact Us: Contact: Portland Police Bureau 'lraffie Division Atteatlon.' Photo Radar Prog~mn Address: 1319 SE Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. Port and, Oregon 97214 Phone: (503) 823.2214 Send comments or suggestions to: l~/ebMazlerwe.bmarter(~lrans, ci,portland, or. us. http://www, trans, cl.portland.or.urdPDOT_gervice~'pholo_l adar.htm I0113199 M~%lG-2000 TUE 11:33 AM IL STAT~ POLIC~ ~RX ]'tu. vl~,'c~.~'~, c. The Edge ofth~'Wedge for Photo Radar Page l of 2 The Edge of the Wedge for Photo Radar by ,4ame Frobom Machine-issued traffic tickets are a rarity in the United States. In most places, it's not possible to be convi~ecl cfa traffic violation without a human witness to the alleged offense. Cameras actuated by radar guns or detectors at stop lights rank yet be used to issue tickets. Most Amefican~ deal like the idea. That could change. Insurance companies, police agencies, and equipment salesmen are trying to reverse American opinion on machine-issued tickets. Their strate~ is to use conspicuous, emotional issues as a wedge for forcing photo radar into the traffic law of every state. Although most people remain opposed to photo radar, its friends have found that if'the idea is packaged fight, it can be sold. People are more willing to buy the idea if it's advertised as a solution to an emotional issue. Among the real or manuii~ctured safety problems that are being suggested as excuses for ticket machines are: speeding in school zones, running red lights, speeding in construction zones, speeding in residential areas, crosswalks and turning violations in commercial districts, and railroad crosslngs. Some of these are serious problems, and radar salesmen know that it's almost impossible to argue against enfomemem of'the law where school children or pedestrlms are involved. They also know that once automated ticketing is legalized in one instance, it can be made to apply to all cases. The strategy can be seen in action. In New York and Ohio, bills ia the ~late legislature would legalize photo radar in construction zones. In Michigan, the State Police conducted an opinion survey to find where photo radar is most acceptable; ia ~chool zone~, at construction sites, or in residential areas. Sat'ety wasn't the purpose of the taxpayer-financed research; polities was. Sometimes, it's proposed that machine-issued tickets not be used to i$~u¢ drlvcr's llc~nse points or raise insurance premiums, to make the idea still more palatable. Or, it may be promised that the radar guns will only ticket drlvers going I0 or 15 mph over Lhe .~peed limit. Although most people remain opposed to photo radar it.~'frien~? have found that if the tdea ts pac/caged right, it can be sold Once the legal precedent is in place, it won'~ Iago long for it to be exploited to tho fullest. The lure of ticket revenue will be irresistible to govemmants that live cffoftraffio fines. Cameras ~411 appear at every possible location, and superfluous stop signs and artificially low speed limits will multiply. Digital (rather than film-using) cameras will make the. system ~heaper. And all tho while, tho causes of most traffic accidents will remain unaff'cct~l. http://motalab.u,u, edu/rdu/a-cdphot.html 10/18/99 · The Ed§e of the Wedge But tho rapaolty of thc syatem may be as ulidomg, and where the people make th mselves heard, there is always hope. In Ontario, photo radar was installed on the province's busiest freeway. Once the revenue star, ed rolling in by the millions, plans were made to extend the system to other roads. At first, radar guns set offthe cameras when they spotted a c~e go~ng well over the speed limit. Within weeks, the operators discovered that they could generate more revenue with the turn of a knob, and the tolerance was turned down to 10 kph (that's 6.2 m/les per hour' to those of us south of the border). But then, Ontario's government changed. The first act of Ontario's new Conservative govei'nment was to outlaw photo rad~u'. With a little work, we can prevent things fi.om going so far in the U.S. NMA members should be alert for the thin edge of the photo radar wextge in their Related Documents * _Pho~o Radar Related Pages , .~peed Limits _Back Ho.m~ http://metalab.une, edu/rdu/a-edphot.htnfl 10/18/99 MAYOR ~ VILLAGE MANAGER C~rald L. Farley ~ Michael E. Janonis TRUSTEES VILLAGE CLERK Timothy J. Corcoran P~u,w~.oef~ Village of Mount Prospect ve,~Lo~e Richard M. Lohrstorfer De.~s 0. P~e~ Community Development Department Pho.e:847/818.5328 Michaele W. 8kowron Fax: 847/818-5329 i~vm~ E. wires 100 South Emerson Street Mount Prospect, illinois 60056 TOD: 847/392-6064 BUSINESS DISTRICT DEVELOPMENT AND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION CANCELLATION NOTICE THE MEETING SCHEDULED FOR WEDNESDAY, MAY 24, 2000 HAS BEEN CANCELLED. AN AGENDA WILL BE SENT PRIOR TO THE NEXT MEETING. Dated this 17th day of May, 2000. MAYOR Gerald L. Farley VILLAGE MANAGER Michel E. TRUSTEES · oe,'e Village of Mount Prospect Richard M. Lohrstorfer o. Community Development Department Phone: 847/818.5328 Mie~ele W. Skowron Fax: 847/818-5329 ~vana Ic. wilks 100 South Emerson Street Mount Prospect, Illinois 60056 TDD: 847/392-6064 AGENDA MOUNT PROSPECT ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS MEETING LOCATION: MEETING DATE & TIME: Senior Center Thursday 50 South Emerson Street May 25, 2000 Mount Prospect, IL 60056 7:30 p.m. I. CALL TO ORDER II. ROLL CALL III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. Minutes of April 27, 2000 1. ZBA-10-2000 / Duffy Residence / 507 S. Wille St. 2. ZBA 11-2000 / Weglarz Residence / 1108 Robert Dr. 3. ZBA-12-2000 / VoiceStrearn Wireless / 1500 E. Euclid 4: ZBA-14-2000/Text Amendment-Section 14.203 of Zoning OrdinancegVOMP IV. OLD BUSINESS A. ZBA-08-00 / Text Amendments to the Zoning Code Section 14.1702 and 14.31 I. B. ZBA-13-00 / Text Amendment to Section 14.2219 of the Zoning Ordinance. Note: These two items are postponed to a future date and will be noticed at that time V. NEW BUSINESS A. ZBA-15-2000 / Solan Residence / 305 N. Catmo Ct. / Variation to permit construction of a 6' tall fence. NOTE: This Case is Zoning Board Final B. ZBA-16-2000 / Grippo Residence / 1104 S. Church Rd. / Variation to permit constructiqn of a pool that would enroch 8' into rear setback and 10' into side setback. NOTE: This Case is Village Board Final C. ZBA-17-2000 / Kamer Residence / 610 S. Carol Ln. / Variation to construct a fence 3' inside the west property line and 9' inside the south property line. NOTE: This Case is Zoning Board Final D. ZBA-18-2000 / United Airlines, Inc. / 1610 W. Algonquin / Map Amendment to rezone property from R4 to B3 and Conditional Use for a 519 space parking lot. NOTE: This Case is Village Board Final E. ZBA-19-2000 / Ofanan Residence / 503 S. Main St. / Conditional Use to construct a new home with an attached 3-car garage in the RA District. NOTE: This Case is Zoning Board Final VI. QUESTIONS AND COIVIMENTS VII. ADJOURNMENT Any individual who would like to attend this meeting, but because of a disability needs some accommodation to participate, should contact the Community Development Department at 100 S. Emerson, Mount Prospect, IL 60056, 847-392-6000, Ext. 5328, TDD 0847-392-6064. MII~IlYrES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE MOUNT PROSPECT ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS CASE NO. ZBA-10-2000 Hearing Date: April 27, 2000 PETITIONER: Kevin M. and Laurie L. Duffy SUBJECT PROPERTY: 507 S. Wilte St. PUBLICATION DATE: April 10, 2000 DAILY I-[ERALD REQUEST: Variation to permit a 672 square foot, two-car, detached garage MEMBERS PRESENT: Leo Floros Elizabeth Luxem Richard Rogers Keith Youngquist Arlene Juracek, Chairperson MEMBERS ABSENT: Merrill Cotten STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT: Jeffery Perkins, Planner I/qTERESTED PARTIES: Kevin and Laurie Duffy Chairperson Arlene Juracek called the meeting to order at 7:32 p.m. Minutes of the March 23, 2000 meeting were approved. Ms. Juracek announced Cases ZBA-08-2000 and ZBA-13-2000 were postponed to the May 25, 2000 mooting. Ms. Juracek introduced Case ZBA-10-2000, a request for a Variation to permit a 672 square foot, two-car, detached garage. .leffery Perkins, Planner, introduced the case, stating that notice had been provided in the newspaper, mailed notices, and through $ignage on the property. He indicated this request was for a Variation to permit a 672 square foot, two- ear, detached garage~. Mr. Perkins provided background on the case and briefly discussed the required findings for Variations. He then stated that no hardship, as del'reed by the Zoning Ordinance, exists for the proposal and gave Staff's recommendatien of denial for the proposed Variation. He went on to des~rlbe a recent case involving a proposed Variation for an oversized garage. He stated that the ZBA had denied a Variation for a 720 s.f. garage at 1712 Martha Lane, but that the Village Board approved a cempromise proposal of a 672 s.f. garage upon consideration of an appeal of the ZBA decision. Ms. Juracok asked for questions from the Board. Richard Rogers asked if the request was for a 672 s.f. garage because of the recent approval of that siz~ garage by the Village Board. Mr. Perkins mid he was not aware of that being the reason, the applicant would need to address that question. Kevin Duffy was sworn in and replied to Mr. Rogers that was not the reason for the requested size, he had not known about the case until he received Staffs memo in the mail. He arrived at that alze by configuring what he ne2~led to house hi~ cars and a small workshop. He raid he had pumhased his home about one year ago and wanted to replace the one-car garage as the fu~t of many planned improvements. Mr. Duffy said he was requesting the larger size garage because he wanted zpace in the garage for a workbench to do household repairs. He did have that arrangement at his old house in Sohaumburg. Zoning Board of Appeals ZBA- 10-2000 Arlene Juracek, Chairperson Page 2 Mr. Floros asked if he planned to put a new driveway and a new garage in the same area as at present. Mr. Duff-y said it would be within one to three feet of the present one. He will build the new garage himself, to Code. His lot is 75'xi57'. Ms. Juracek asked if he had heard any objections to the project from his neighbors. Mr. Duffy said he had spoken with them and they did not voice any objections. Mr. Youngquist asked about the drawing that was submitted; stating that he thought that the proposed garage location may be too close to the existing house, which might limit futura expansions of the home. He added that the applicant may want to move the garage closer to the lot line, so as to leave more expansion area. Mr. Dully said he had prepared the rough drawing, not to scale, and that he planned to build the garage close to the 5' setback required by code. Several Board members said there have been so many requests to build larger garages that perhaps the Village Ordinance needs to be changed to accommodate modem social and community standards. Mr. Floros asked what was the logic the Village Board used to grant the request for the garage at Martha Lane. Mr. Perkins said he was not present at that meeting but was given the impression that the Village Board thought the 672 s.f. was a fair compromise between the allowable size and the 720 s.f. that petitioner had requested of the Zoning Board. Mr. Floros said that ifa new standard of 672 s.f. is being set by the Village Board, perhaps Code should be changed to those dimensions, rather than hearing these requests repeatedly. Mr. Perkins said the Village Board had approved a similar size garage last year on Prospect Manor Avenue. He also stated a three-car detached garage could be built with a Conditional Use under the Zoning Ordinance, but that such a garage would also require approval of a Variation for the size of the garage. Mr. Perkins voiced the opinion that a garage of more than 600 s.f. should be a Conditional Use, as are three-car garages. Elizabeth Luxem said this case must be heard under today's Code and the Zoning Board does not have the authority to grant a Conditional Use per the present standards. Ms. Luxem said that, while the Village Board has the prerogative of approving such requests, the Zoning Board does not. Ms. Juracek agreed with JeffPerkins that garages exceeding the 600 s.f. limit should be a Conditional Use. At 7:55 p.m., Elizabeth Luxem made a motion to grant approval for Case ZBA-10-2000, a request for a Variation to permit a 672 square foot, two-car, detached garage. Keith Youngquist seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: AYES: Floros, Youngquist, Juracek NAYS: Luxem, Rogers Motion was denied 3-2, because the Zoning Ordinance requires four affirmative votes for a positive recommendation. At 8:45 p.m., after the Board reviewed three more eases, Elizabeth Luxem made motion to adjourn seconded by Richard Rogers. The motion was approved by a voice vote and the meeting was adjourned. Barbara Swiatelq Planning Secretary MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE MOUNT PROSPECT ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS CASE NO. ZBA-11-2000 Hearing Date: April 27, 2000 PETITIONER: Stanley and Judith WegIarz SUBJECT PROPERTY: 1108 Robert Drive PUBLICATION DATE: April 10, 2000 DAILY HERALD REQUEST: Conditional Use to permit a front porch addition to encroach four feet into a required front setback MEMBERS PRESENT: Leo Floros Elizabeth Luxem Richard Rogers Keith Youngquist Arlene Juracek, Chairperson MEMBERS ABSENT: Merrill Cotten STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT: Jeffery Perkins, Planner INTE~TED PARTIES: Stanley Weglarz Chairperson Arlene Jumcek called the meeting to order at 7:32 p.m. Minutes of the March 23, 2000 meeting were approved. Ms. Juracek announced Cases ZBA-08-2000 and ZBA-13-2000 were postponed to the May 25, 2000 meeting. At 7:55, after hearing another case, Ms. Jumcek introduced Case ZBA-11-2000, a Conditional Use to permit a front porch addition to encroach four feet into a required front setback. Jeffery Perkins, Planner, introduced the case, stating that notice had been provided in the newspaper, mailed notices, and through signage on the property. He indicated this request was for a Conditional Use to permit a front porch addition to encroach four feet into a required front setback. He then reminded the ZBA that Mr. Weglarz had appeared before them at their January meeting requesting a front setback Variation for a second story addition and front porch. He added that the ZBA had denied that request, based on a lack of hardship, but stated that they would support his proposal if he would work with his arohiteet to adjust the plans to meet Zoning Code Requirements. Mr. Perkins stated that the proposed plans now met all applicable Zoning requirements and gave Staff's recommendation of approval of the proposed Conditional Use. Keith Youngquist inquired about the encroachment of the bay window on the second floor into the front setback. Mr. Perkins stated that the Zoning Code specifies that bay windows may encroach into required setbacks by up to 24". Ms. Youngquist asked whether the Zoning Code specifies a limit to the size of a "bay window." Mr. Perkins responded that it does not. Mr. Rogers stated that the proposed bay window appeared to be a window seat and therefore consistent with the intent of the Code provision in que~tinn. Leo Floros thanked the petitioner for working with Staff to arrive at an acceptable revised plan. Mr. Weglarz said he and his family wan~'xl to stay in Mount P~ospeet at his present address. Richard Rogers made a motion to grant approval for Case ZBA-II-2000, a request for a Conditional Use to permit a front porch addition to encroach four feet into a required front setback. Kelth Youngquist seconded the motion. Zoning Board of Appeals ZBA- 11-2000 Arlene Juraeek, Chairperson Page 2 UPON ROLL CALL: AYES: Floros, Luxem, Youngquist, Rogers, and Juracek NAYS: None Motion was approved 5-0. VilIage Board's decision is final in this case. At 8:45 p.m., after the Board reviewed two more cases, Elizabeth Luxem made motion to adjourn, seconded by Richard Rogers. The motion was approved by a voice vote and the meeting was adjourned. Barbara Swiatek, Planning Secretary MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE MOUNT PROSPECT ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS CASE NO. ZBA-12-2000 Hearing Date: April 27, 2000 PETITIONER: Ayesha Zaheer for Cook Inlet/Voicestream PCS L.L.C. 1375 E. Woodfield Rd., Ste. 4000 Schaumburg, IL 60173 PROPERTY OWNER: River Trails Park District SUBJECT PROPERTY: 1500 E. Euclid Avenue PUBLICATION DATE: April 10, 2000 DAILY HERALD REQUEST: Variation to permit construction of a 120-foot tall monopole personal wireless telecommunication facility at the Marvin Weiss Community Center MEMBERS PRESENT: Leo Floros Elizabeth Luxem Richard Rogers Keith Youngquist Arlene .luraeek, Chairperson MEMBERS ABSENT: Merrill Cotten STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT: Jeffery Perkins, Planner INTERESTED PARTIES: Ayesha Zaheer · : Charity Sullivan Graham Packer Dau Leafy Darren Davidson Robert and Traci Jacobson Chairperson Arlene Juraeek called the meeting to order at 7:32 p.m. Minutes of the March 23, 2000 meeting were approved. Ms. Suraeek announced Cases ZBA-08-2000 and ZBA-13-2000 were postponed to the May 25, 2000 m~ting. At 8:00, at, er hearing two other cases, Ms. Suraeek introduced Case ZBA-12-2000, a Variation to permit construction of a 120-foot tall monopole personal wireless telecommunication facility at the Marvin Weiss Community Center. Jeffery Perkins, Planner, in/reduced the case, stating that notice had been provided in the newspaper, mailed notices, and through signage on the property. He indicated this request was for a Variation to permit construction of a 120-foot tall monopole personal wireless telecommunication facility at the Marvin Weiss Community Center Mr. Perkins distributed additional information presented by the applicant to the Zoning Board. He then described the proposed loeatlon of the facility as replacing one of the existing light poles for the driving range at the park. He then talked briefly about the required findings for Variations and restated Staff's position that, although the trees on the site could bo considered a hardship, they are not part of the #particular physical surroundings, shape, or topographical conditions" of the property. Therefore, no hardship justifying the proposed Variation exists. He then gave staff's recommendation to deny the proposed Variation. Cba lrperson Arlene $uraoek pointed out that lhe reference to Section 14311 should have been 14.313. Zoning Board of Appeals ZBA- 12-2000 Arlene Suracek, Chairperson Page 2 Richard Rogers noted the Prospect Heights Fire Department would be using this monopole for relay. Ms. Juracek inquired if there were other monopoles this high in the area. Mr. Perkins responded that the monopole in Mount Prospect Commons is the same height as the proposed monopole and was approved as a Conditional Use when it was erected. He also said there is an antenna structure approximately this height at the former TCI site. Ms. Ayesha Zaheer, of Cellular Realty Advisors, here on behalf of VoiceStream, was sworn in and testified that VoiceStream is a publicly traded company on the NASDAQ and is a leading provider of digital wireless communication in the western states. She said they have installations in 23 of the top 25 metropolitan areas in the country and they are the fourth largest provider of wireless communications in the U.S. Ms. Zaheer said VoiceStream is here today to request a height variation to the Mount Prospect Zoning Code, specifically the 70~ height restriction. She pointed out that the River Trails Park District location is zoned Conservation/Recreation and that is the main reason they looked into this parcel to locate their wireless facility. Monopoles are permitted in that district by the Zoning Code. She explained that what they are actually requesting is a I10' monopole with a I0' antenna. VoiceStream wants to locate the monopole at the 4th light standard in from the east of the south end of the driving range in the large wooded area. They are seeking a total height variance of 50' (40' for the pole and a 10' antenna). Ms. Zahcer addressed staffs comments opposing a variation: physical surroundings - the wooded area has trees that may grow to 90' which would cause interference with the frequency waves if the poie Were at the permitted 70' height. Ms. Zaheer addressed staff comments regarding tree-trimming: Ms. Zaheer said if they were to attempt to do tree- trimming or removal, it would cause an alteration of essential character of property which would be counter-productive to the city standards of planting trees and encouraging plant growth. Ms. Zaheer called attention to a letter from River Trails Park District forbidding them from trimming trees on the Park District land. Ms. Zaheer also said they are allowing the Prospect Heights Fire Depmtment to share the monopole. She explained that the Fire Department also needs to clear 90' and needs 97' to do that; from that 97', VoiceStream will need a 10' separation. Ms. Zaheer addressed staffs comments regarding public welfare and safety: Ms. Zaheer said the proposed monopole meets all state and federal guidelines. She said their monopoles deflect no more than one degree and withstand 100 m.p.h. winds. The wireless facility is completely enclosed by a 6' high chain link fence with an alarm inside, and a 20' ladder would be required to climb the pole. Ms. Zaheer addressed the essential character of the property. She described the property as having 12 or more lightpoles, a driving range, a parking lot and numerous Park District amenities such as tennis courts, ball parks, etc., which also have light poles about 65' high, thus there are already numerous vertical elements on this property. Ms. Zabeer explained VoiceStream is especially sensitive to the character of the area and attempted to align their monopole with the other light poles in order to remain unobtrusive. She pointed out that, instead of being in front of the wooded area they will place the pole inside, tucked into the wooded area. The first 70' ofmonopole won't be seen as it will be screened by the existing wooded area. She also said the part of the facility that will be seen by the driving range will be screened with 4'-6' evergreens and English Ivy on the fence. Ms. Zabeer concluded by saying VoieaStream was here to provide service to our community through: (I) public safety, by providing space on the monopole to the Fire Department; and (2) facilitating communications. Ms..luracek briefly outlined provisions of the Telecommunications Aot of 1996, noting that the guidelines in the act address approval and denial of facilities of this type. She pointed out that the Village's Code follows federal guidelines and states that any decision (made by the ZBA or Village Board) cannot interfere or prohibit personal wireless services to anyone Or unreasonably discriminate against any company that provides personal wireless services. Ms. Juracek addressed Ms. Z_ahcer and said her understanding of the technology is that each tower covers a radius of a certain distance and VoiceStream wants to locate the.se towers in such a way that the radii intersect, or else "dead areas' occur. Ms. Juracek asked Ms. 7__sheer if VoieaStream had considered taller buildings, such as a local church or buildings in Kensington Park, to locate the monopole. Ms. 7_,sheer responded by exhibiting graphic propagation maps assembled by their radio frequency engineers. She explained that a good _,,~ogy would be a patchwork quilt which, if stretched or pulled too much, would fall apart. Voice,.qtream's n~txvork would fall apart and provide no coverage at all or "hole in coverage" areas~ without proper. apaolng of cell towers. She presented a mad showin~ 'c~ver~,~.' wi~,~,,,* *~,; ...... -' ..... Zoning Board of Appeals ZBA- 12-2000 Arlene Juraeek, Chairperson Page 3 much of the area with unreliable or no coverage, and no 91 I. Ms. Zaheer said the Park District site was the best location for providing service to the area. Leo Floros asked if VoiceStream had received any feedback from area residents. Ms. Zaheer said they had met with the Fairway Estates Homeowners Association at their annual meeting and those residents were receptive to the project. They provided the homeowners with the same handouts presented to the Board. The association does not oppose their facility. Ms. Juracek asked if anyone in the audience wished to be heard. Tra¢i Jacobson, 226 Fairway Drive, had some informational questions. She wanted to know what the Park District was gaining from this project. Ms. Zaheer said they had a lease and would be paying a monthly rental to the Park District. Ms. Jacobson also asked what effect this would have on their home theater or sound systems. Ms. Zahcer said it would not have any effect on their systems, that they were required to stay within the frequencies licensed to them. Ms. Juracek informed Ms. Jacobson that another large cell tower exists at Golf and Busse and does not cause problems for the residents in that area. Keith Youngquist asked at what point the Prospect Heights Fire Department became involved. Ms. Zaheer said the Park District had conversations with the Fire Department early in the process and it was a condition of their lease to allow the Fire Department to co-locate. Elizabeth Luxem said she is not against VoiceStream's project but did express her frustration with government agencies not working together, as well as the Park District's and Fire Department's insufficient and last minute communication regarding this project. She asked Jeff Perkins if the River Trails Park District had any communication with him prior to the letter dated today regarding this project. Mr. Perkins responded that he had talked to Tom Pope of the River Trails Park District regarding the variation process when the application was submitted, but not since then. Ms. Luxem said she did not like the late date or the tone of the Fire Department and River Trails letter and felt the Village was being held hostage in this matter. She said she finds the attitude of the Park District, and their unwillingness to work with the Village, irritating. Mr. Rogers said, in defense of Tom Pope, he is always cooperative with Village. He has worked with him and he does a great job in getting out to people and keeping them informed.. Ms. Juraeek said we do have a philosophy to co-locate the monopoles as much as possible. Mr. Rogers said he drove the area, and the light standards are virtually invisible to the public except for homes looking down at the area, and he said he thought the monopole would not be very visible. Ms. Juraeek agreed that the monopole would not be very visible. Leo Floros asked how wide the pole would be. Ms. Zahcer said it would be 40" in diameter at the base, which is never seen, to 12-14" diameter at the top. Mr. Floros sa!d he was against the cell tower at Rand & Kensington near the Auto Mall being erected but now finds it is unobtrusive. Richard Rogers made a motion to grant approval for ZBA-12-2000, a request for a Variation to permit construction of a 120-foot tall monopole personal wireless telecommunication facility at the Marvin Weiss Community Center, seconded by Keith Youngquist. UPON ROLL CALL: AYES: Floros, Luxem, Youngquist, Rogers, and luraeek NAYS: None Motion was approved $-0. Village Board's decision is t%~1 in this case. Zoning Board of Appeals ZBA- l 2-2000 Arlene Juracek, Chairperson Page 4 Motion was approved 5-0. Village Board's decision is final in this case. At 9:20 p.m., after hearing one more case, Elizabeth Luxem made motion to adjourm seconded by Richard Rogers. The motion was approved by a voice vote and the meeting was adjourned. Barbara Swiatek, Planning Secret~a~' /~feff?~Serk~ns, Planner MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE MOUNT PROSPECT ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS CASE NO. ZBA-14-2000 Hearing Date: April 27, 2000 PETITIONER: Village of Mount Prospect PUBLICATION DATE: April 10, 2000 DAILY I-EERALD REQUEST: Text Amendment to Zoning Code Sections 14.203.G.3 and 14.203.G.5 MEMBERS PRESENT: Leo Floros Elizabeth Luxem Richard Kogers Keith Youngquist Arlene Juracek, Chairperson MEMBERS ABSENT: Merrill Cotten STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT: Jeffery Perkins, Planner INTERESTED PARTIES: Chairperson Arlene Juracek called the meeting to order at 7:32 p.m. Minutes of the March 23, 2000 meeting were approved. Ms. Juracek announced Cases ZBA-08-2000 and ZBA-13-2000 were postponed to the May 25, 2000 meeting. At 8:40, after hearing three other cases, Ms. Juraeek introduced Case ZBA-14-2000, a Text Amendment to Zoning Code Sections 14.203.G.3 and 14.203.G.5. Jeffery Perkins, Planner, introduced the ease, stating that notice had been provided in the newspaper. He indicated this request was for a Text Amendment to Zoning Code Section 14.203.G.3 and 14.203.G.5. Mr. Perkins provided background on the proposed amendment. He stated that the Village Board had questioned whether Text Amendments should be noticed with signs on "subject properties" and mailed notices to property owners within 250' of those properties, as the text of Sections 14.203.G.3 and 14.203.G.5 appear to require. He stated Staff's opinion that Text Amendments typically do not apply to a particular "subject property," as is the case in site specific applications such as Variations, Conditional Uses and Map Amendments. He added that the application of sign and mailed notice requirements to Text Amendments in the manner discussed would require the placement of thousands of signs and mailing of an even greater number of notices, which would be a burden on available Staff time and very expensive for the Village. He further stated that Illinois Statutes require only a newspaper legal ad for notice of proposed Text Amendments. He stated that the proposed Amendment would specifically identify the public hearings that would require signs and mailed notices and eliminate any confusion regarding public notice. Ms. Juracek asked how specifically the newspaper notices were worded, if the intention of the amendment was "spelled out~ or did they just read, "text amendment to Section xxx. xxx." Mr. Perkins assured her that the ads identify the Sections to be modified and a brief description of the proposed changes are included in the legal notice. Ms. Juracek inquired if agendas for the Zoning and Village Board were aired on Mount Prospect Cable TV. In response to her question, a telephone call from the control room informed Ms. Juracek that agendas were aired on the Mount Prospoet channel. Ms. Luxem asked in which newspaper the legal notices appeared and was told the Daily Herald. Mr. Rogers suggested that very detailed explanations of the requests be included in the notices, regardless of cost. Richard Rogers made a motion to grant approval for a request for Case ZBA-14-2000, a Text Amendment to Zoning Code Section 14.203.G3 and 14.203.G.5. Elizabeth Luxem seconded the motion. Zoning Board of Appeals ZBA-14-2000 Arlene Juracek, Chairperson Page 2 UPON ROLL CALL: AYES: Floros, Luxem, Youngquist, Rogers, and Juracek NAYS: None Motion was approved 5-0. Village Board's decision is finaI in this case. At 8:45 p.m., Elizabeth Luxem made motion to adjourn seconded by Richard Rogers. The motion was approved by a voice vote and the meeting was adjourned. Barbara Swiatek, Planning Secretary Jeffe~6rkifis, Planner